Author: MarieAmethyst
Title: Even Jealous of the Moon
Rating: PG-13
Genre: romance, slight humor, angst, sap
Warnings: Yaoi
Disclaimer: I don't own them! Honest! *huggles Duo and grins*
Author's Note: Answer to a challenge posted by a friend.

If I were the moon, I could
catch your eye--I'm jealous of the moon
If I were the wind, I would
make you fly--I'm jealous of that too

~*~

"He should be moved to a secluded area until he is fully recovered."

"I quite agree. And another pilot should be sent with him."

"Who do you have in mind?"

"Deathsycthe's pilot, Duo Maxwell. Perhaps some of Quatre's calmness will rub off onto him."

"Yes, there is that. The other pilots should be able to handle the missions perfectly with the other two away."

"So it is decided?"

"They leave in the morning."

~*~

"This is the place," the long-haired teenager said as he turned down the drive.

I nodded as I took in the details of the place I would be staying at for an unknown period of time. The lake house was large, two stories high. There was a darkness about it, whether it was from the somber grey of the walls or the stormy skies above, I couldn't decide. The house had an ancient look to it, slightly gothic with its arched windows. Old trees were scattered around, drooping and melancholy. Just beyond a cluster of them was a glimpse of the lake, its waters almost black. I wasn't looking forward to my 'vacation' quite so much anymore.

"Not much to look at, ne? Reminds me kinda of that movie, The Haunting." Violet eyes peeked at me, "Hey, Qu, are you all right? You've been quiet lately."

Suppressing a smile, I refrained from mentioning that he spoke enough for the both of us. "I'm fine. Just a little tired from the trip I suppose."

Duo nodded, looking like he was not truly convinced, but returned his attention to driving as he pulled up in front of the lake house. Coming to a stop, he cut the engine off, then looked over at me with a grin, "Honey, we're home!"

Laughing, I opened the door and stepped out, shivering in the brisk air. Luckily I had worn my coat, remembering it was much colder in the north. Glancing over at Duo, I noticed he didn't look to happy at the change in weather and how thin his black long-sleeved shirt was.

"It had to be some place cold, didn't it? It's never some place like the Bahamas where the babes are scantily clad and there's crystal clear water," he complained, shutting his door.

I did the same, before walking back to the trunk. As I prepared to pop the trunk, Duo walked over and waved me off, "Bah! You're recovering, remember? Go inside and I'll bring the stuff in."

Knowing it was no use to refuse, with the brunette's face set with stubbornness, I withdrew.

The lake house was even more intimidating closer up, I realized, as I approached it. A porch ran along the front length of it. With a small smile I noticed the porch swing that hung from the rafters. It was hard to picture two lovers entwined together on it as they discussed their plans of the future with the gloom so thick in the air.

The steps creaked as I stepped upon them. A chill wind brushed my skin. Not exactly the best way to begin a stay.

Standing before the oak door that looked as if it hadn't been used in years, I reached inside my right pants pocket for the keys I had been given before I left. Choosing the one that looked most like a door key, I fitted it into the knob and turned it, with the reward of the sound of it unlocking. Opening the door, I walked inside.

Immediately my nose wrinkled at the smell of oldness and a room being enclosed too long. Dust had settled over most of the furniture in the hallway, and on further exploration, over most of everything else. There was a kitchen (free of dust, thankfully), which contained many modern appliances, much to my surprise. A more in-depth search revealed a well-stocked cupboard and refrigerator. A bag of Oreos along with other similar snacks were in one cabinet, and I smiled again, knowing Duo would be delighted with the amount of chocolate stocked.

In the cabinet to the left of it was my delight: different flavors of tea, a container of coffee, and a coffee maker. Reaching inside for a box of the mint tea, I opened it and sniffed the contents. I nodded to myself, its scent marked it of good quality.

I rummaged around until I found the kettle, and filled it with water. I set it on the stove, turning the stove on to the appropriate setting.

A slight noise came from the hallway, and I hurried back. Duo had just walked in, looking a little flushed from the walk carrying both of our bags, but he managed a grin when he saw me, "Remind me next time not to pack so much."

"As I recall, I told you not to pack so much this time."

"And you expected me to listen?" he asked with a skeptical look as he set his handful down.

"We are all hoping one day you will listen, my friend," I answered, hiding my own grin at Duo's boyish charm.

He shot me a mock hurt look, "Ouch, Qu. I'm not *that* bad." He glanced around, "I guess the bedrooms would be upstairs."

"See? You are already showing an improvement," I teased.

Duo stuck his tongue out at me, "You're sounding more like Wu-chan every day. Hopefully you will return back to your nice, gentle personality while we're here."

I couldn't resist. "Or maybe I'll get worst. After all, I am going to be around you a lot for the next few weeks or so."

Violet eyes took on a wicked gleam, "That is true, isn't it? Time to teach you exactly how to be like Shinigami! You'll be like an entirely new person when we leave, Qu!" He waved his hand around in excitement.

I shook my head at his antics, amused by his carefree humor. With Duo, it was easy to forget about the war going on and our missions. Too easily, really.